• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.103-110
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• 2014

BACKGROUND: Azadirachta indica has been widely used as environment-friendly organic materials because of its insecticidal properties. This study was carried out to investigate the acute toxicity and the subacute toxicity of Azadirachta indica extract(AIE) in rats. METHODS AND RESULTS: For the oral acute toxicity test, Sprague-Dawley rats were gavaged with 2.0 g/Kg bw of AIE. The $LD_{50}$ value was greater than 2.0 g/Kg bw for both male and female rats. For the subacute toxicity study, rats were treated with AIE at doses of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 mg/Kg bw once a day for 4 weeks(n=10 animals per each group). There were no significant changes in body weight, food intake and water consumption observed during the experimental duration. In addition, no difference of relative kidney weight was observed among all treated groups. Serum creatinine level in the AIE 2.0 g/Kg group increased significantly compared with that of control group in male rats, but serum blood urea nitrogen was significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.05). Significant increase of serum cholesterol levels were observed in all AIE groups, compared with the control group, in the female rats (p<0.05). However, histopathological examination of the kidney did not reveal any significant lesions in all groups. CONCLUSION: On the basis of results, it could be concluded that oral administration AIE didn't cause any toxic response in kidney, except the increased serum cholesterol.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.115-125
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• 2014

With Single Comb White Leghorn (WL) and Korean Native Chicken (KNC) breeds, we compared the stress response with chicken breeds that were subjected to a high stocking density. Stress response was analyzed by the quantity of telomeric DNA, the rate of DNA damage and the expression levels of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and hydroxyl-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) genes on tissues and blood. The telomere length and telomere shortening rates were analyzed by quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization on the nuclei of lymphocytes and tissues. The DNA damage rate of lymphocytes was quantified by the comet assay. The expression levels of HSP70, HSP90-${\alpha}$, HSP90-${\beta}$ and HMGCR genes were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in lymphocytes. There was no significant difference between KNC and WL in body weight, weight gain, telomere shortening rate and DNA damage rate. However, the growth rate significantly decreased in chickens raised under high stocking density conditions, as compared to the control group. The telomere-shortening rate, DNA damage and HSPs expression of the lymphocytes were significantly higher in the high stocking density group than the control. The stress condition and breeds had a significant effect on the expressions of HSP70, HSP90-${\alpha}$ and HSP90-${\beta}$ in lymphocytes, except HMGCR. The stress response of WL was higher than that of KNC, as analyzed to the expression of HSP70 and HSP90-${\alpha}$. Therefore, we concluded that the chickens which were exposed to a high stocking density had increased the individual physiological stress response regardless of breeds, and White Leghorns are more susceptible to stress condition than Korean Native Chickens.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.7
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• pp.2951-2957
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• 2014

Background: Gastric carcinogenesis is a complicated process that involves environmental and genetic factors like interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-8. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in their genes are associated with changed levels of gene expression. Here, we investigated the association between IL4-590 C>T and IL8-251T>A and gastric cancer (GC) risk in Sichuan of Southwestern China. Materials and Methods: We surveyed the research subjects using a self-designed questionnaire with questions on demographic factors and putative risk factors. Approximately 2-5ml of whole blood was collected after field survey to analyze IL4-590 C>T and IL8-251T>A genotypes using MALDI-TOF MS. Results: Our study recruited 308 pairs of GC patients and controls, including 224 (72.7%) men and 84 (27.3%) women in each group. There were 99 cardia and 176 noncardia GC patients in the case group. The case and control groups had an average age of $57.7{\pm}10.6$ ($mean{\pm}SD$) and $57.6{\pm}11.1$ years. GC patients reported a significantly greater proportion of family history of cancer (29.9% vs 10.7%, p<0.01) and drinking (54.6% vs 43.2%, p<0.01) than did controls. Variant genotypes of IL-4-590 C>T and IL-8-251 T>A were not associated with overall GC risk (adjusted OR, 0.89; 95%CI, 0.61-1.28 for CT or CC vs TT; adjusted OR, 1.14; 95%CI, 0.86-1.79 for TA or AA vs TT). Stratification analysis of two SNPs for risk by subsites only found that variant IL-8-251 TA or AA genotype was associated with increased noncardia GC risk (adjusted OR, 2.58; 95%CI, 1.19-5.57). We did not observe interactions between the IL-8-251 T>A genotype and smoking (adjusted OR, 0.38; 95%CI, 0.08-1.79) or drinking (adjusted OR, 0.36; 95%CI, 0.08-1.65) for risk of noncardia GC. Conclusions: Our data indicate no association between the two SNPs of IL-4-590 and IL-8-251 with overall GC risk, while the IL-8-251 TA or AA genotype conferred risk of cardia GC. Our findings contribute to the evidence body for risk of SNPs associated with the development of gastric cancer in this region.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.463-472
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• 2002

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plays a major role in stimulating the synthesis and release of the principal osteoclast-activating cytokines, namely, interleukin 1 and tumor necrosis factor-$\alpha$ from immune cells. Although rnonocytes/macrophages are the main producers of these cytokines, recent evidence has indicated that polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) have the ability to release IL-1 and TNF-$\alpha$. Calcium hydroxide has been shown to be an effective medicament in root canal infections, reducing the microbial titre within the canal. It has been proposed that the therapeutic effect of Ca(OH)$_2$ may also be the result of direct inactivation of LPS. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether treatment of Porphyromonas endodontalis LPS with calcium hydroxide alters its biological action as measured by human PMN secretion of IL-1 and TNF-$\alpha$, and it was compared with Escherichia coli LPS. P. endodontalis ATCC 35406 was cultured in anaerobic condition, and LPS was extracted using the hot-phenol water extraction method and purified. Purchased E. coli LPS was also purified. 100 $\mu\textrm{g}$/ml of each LPS in pyrogen free water were incubated with 25mg/ml Ca(OH)$_2$ at 37$^{\circ}C$ for 7 days. The supernatants were subjected to ultrafiltration, and the isolates were lyophilized and weighed. PMNs were obtained from peripheral blood by centrifugation layered over Lymphoprep. The cells were resuspended (4$\times$10$^6$ cells/ml) in RPMI 1640 followed by treatment with various concentrations of LPS (0, 0.1, 1, 10$\mu\textrm{g}$/ml) for 24 hours at 37$^{\circ}C$ in 5% $CO_2$ incubator. The supernatants of cells were collected and the levels of IL-1$\alpha$, IL=1$\beta$ and TNF-$\alpha$ were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results were as follows ; 1. The levels of IL-1$\alpha$, IL-1$\beta$, TNF-$\alpha$ from PMN treated with each LPS were significantly higher than those released from unstimulated PMN of the control group (p<0.05). 2. The levels of all three cytokines released from PMN stimulated with each calcium hydroxide treated LPS were significantly lower than those released from PMN stimulated with each untreated LPS (p<0.05), while they were not significantly different from those released from unstimulated PMN of the control group (p>0.05) 3. The levels of secretion for all three cytokines were affected in a dose-dependent manner in PMN stimulated with each LPS (p<0.05), but not in PMN stimulated with each calcium hydroxide treated LPS (p>0.05). 4. The levels of all three cytokines released from PMN stimulated with p. endodontalis LPS were significantly lower than those released from PMN stimulated with E coli LPS (p<0.05).

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.519-524
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• 2010

Purpose : To determine the efficacy of the N-terminal fragment of B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) as a useful diagnostic method in children with incomplete Kawasaki disease (KD). Methods : Ninety-six patients who were diagnosed as having KD between January 2008 and June 2009 were enrolled in the study. American Heart Association recommendations for diagnosis were used, and patients were divided into the complete KD and incomplete KD groups. Blood tests including NT-proBNP were performed on admission day. Nineteen patients who had other febrile diseases other than KD were enrolled as control. Results : Thirty-three patients (34%) had incomplete KD. Change in the lips and oral cavity and conjunctivitis were the most common clinical features, but their frequency was lower than complete KD (76% vs 98%, 76% vs 90%). Patients with incomplete KD exhibited significantly higher NT-proBNP level than that of control ($1,407.7{\pm}1633.5pg/mL$ vs $126.2{\pm}135.5pg/mL$, $P$<0.001). An NT-proBNP cutoff value of 158 pg/mL provided a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 74% for diagnosis of incomplete KD. Conclusion : NT-proBNP assay can be clinically useful for the diagnosis of incomplete KD, if the patient has persistent fever, change in the lips and oral cavity, and conjunctivitis, and if the patient with those symptoms is suspected to have incomplete KD.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.479-484
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• 2003

This study was attempted to evaluate the effectiveness of extract of fermented red pepper The extract of fermented red pepper was prepared from fermented red pepper puree and polydextrose. Sixteen female college students were participated in this 8 weeks weight control program. All subjects were randomly assigned to the Internet Diet (ID) group or Internet I, fermented red pepper (IR) group. Mean energy intake of ID group was 1,279.9$\pm$112.0 kcal (carbohydrate: 66.9%, protein: 17.4%, fat: 15.6%) and IR group consumed 1,223.8$\pm$57.1 kcal (carbohydrate: 66.3%, protein: 19.3%, fat: 14.4%) during program. The ID group lost 2.5$\pm$1.0 kg of body weight, 0,9$\pm$0,7 kg of fat mass and 1.6$\pm$0.7 kg of lean body mass, and the IR group lost 2.7$\pm$0.3 kg of body weight, 1.8$\pm$0.6 kg of fat mass and 0.9$\pm$0.7 kg of lean body mass. There was no significant differences in the loss of total body weight & lean body mass between two groups, however, the fat mass and the abdominal fat were significantly decreased in the IR group compared to the IC group (p<0.05) The ID group experienced a significantly reduced Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR), however, IC group slightly increased. The change of RMR between groups were significantly different (p<0.05) . There were no differences in the change of blood glucose, total-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride between groups. Therefore, the intake of fermented red pepper doting the weight control program might decreased the body fat especially abdominal fat and prevent the decline of RMR during weight reduction period.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.10
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• pp.995-1004
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• 2007

Purpose : Kawasaki disease is a systemic vasculitis, leading cause of pediatric acquired heart disease. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has functions as vascular permeability factor, plays an important role in coronary artery lesion (CAL). We studied the clinical significance of serum VEGF in Kawasaki disease. Methods : Kawasaki group was 49 patients, and control group was 15 patients. Diagnosis followed AHA (American Heart Association) diagnostic criteria, with blood sampling in acute, subacute, and convalescent phase. Echocardiographic abnormalities were defined and the definition of intravenous gamma globulin (IVGG)-responsive and IVGG-resistant was determined. Results : Serum VEGF of Kawasaki group was significantly higher than of control group. Comparison of serum VEGF between CAL and non-CAL group, between carditis group and non-carditis group showed no significant differences. Subacute serum VEGF was statistically higher in IVGG-resistant group than in IVGG-responsive group, and serum VEGF of IVGG-resistant group in subacute phase was statistically higher than in the other phases. Serum VEGF of convalescent CAL and non-CAL group in acute and subacute phase had meaningful differences. Total fever duration and subacute serum VEGF had positive correlation. Acute serum VEGF had positive correlation with ESR and CRP, all phases serum VEGF had also positive correlation with WBC. Acute and subacute serum VEGF had negative correlations with hemoglobin and albumin. Conclusion : Serum VEGF can help to determine the severity of Kawasaki disease, especially subacute serum VEGF seems to be used as a prognostic factor of coronary complication. Afterward, further studies needed with more strict diagnostic criteria and more study groups.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.37-42
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• 2007

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of graded levels of a herbal recipe(Herb Mix $Gold^{(R)}$, Herb BIO Co.) supplemented to a commercial layer diet. The Herb Mix $Gold^{(R)}$ is an improved recipe of Herb $Mix^{(R)}$, fortified with Angelica gigas, Discorea japonica and Ligusticum jeholense. A total of 720 layers (Hy-Line Brown) of 45 wks old were assigned to one of six treatments; control, 0.2% Herb $Mix^{(R)}$, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% Herb Mix $Gold^{(R)}$, and 6 ppm Avilamycin. Each treatment had 6 replicates of 20 birds each housed in 2 birds cages. Birds were fed diets and water ad libitum for 5 weeks. Hen-day egg production was significantly (P<0.05) different among treatments. Herb Mix $Gold^{(R)}$ 0.2% treatment showed the highest egg production followed by Herb Mix $Gold^{(R)}$ 0.3%, Herb $Mix^{(R)}$ 0.2%, Herb Mix $Gold^{(R)}$ 0.1%, Avilamycin 6 ppm and the control. Hen-housed egg production, egg weight, soft and broken egg ration, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, shell strength, shell thickness, shell color index, Haugh unit and yolk color index were not significantly different among treatments. Nor was cfu of Cl. perfringens and E. coli and Lactobacilli in the small intestinal content significantly different among treatments. The number of white and red blood cells, hemoglobin, heterophil, lymphocyte, thus heterophil to lymphocyte ratio were not significantly modified. It was concluded that Herb Mix $Gold^{(R)}$ at the level of 0.2% in the layer diet improves laying performance.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.27 no.1 s.45
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• pp.11-24
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• 1994

The studies reported here were undertaken to investigate the effects of mercury chloride on immune system of Balb/c mouse employing a flexible tier of in vitro and in vivo assays. Mercury chloride inhibited the proliferative responses of spleen cells to lipopolysaccharide, pokeweed mitogen, and phytohemagglutinin as a dose-dependent manner. This inhibitory effect was observed not only when $HgCl_2$ was added 2nd or 3rd day of 3 days culture period but also when spleen cells was pretreated with $HgCl_2$ for 2 hours. Mercury chloride, however, potentiated the production of IgM and IgG from spleen cells. During the $HgCl_2$ administration by drinking for 3 weeks, the weight gain of mice was significantly blunted than that o control group mice, while no overt signs related to mercury toxicity were noted in any mice of experimental group. There was no change in thymus and spleen weights, and in histological findings of kidney, bone marrow of femur, thymus, spleen, and popliteal lymph node after 3 weeks of mercury exposure. However, $HgCl_2$ induced a significant increase of total serum IgM, IgG including $IgG_1,\;IgG_{2a}\;and\;IgG_{2b}$, and IgE in Balb/c mice. Treatment in vivo with anti-IL-4 monoclonal antibody significantly abrogated the $HgCl_2$-induced increase in total serum IgG1 and IgE. Whereas $HgCl_2$ potentiated total serum IgM and IgG, there was no difference in total serum hemagglutinin to SRBC (Sheep Red Blood Cell) between experimental and control group mice when these mice were immunized with SRBC. All these findings observed in Balb/c mice suggest that mercury perturbates well-orchestrated regulation of immune responses before developing histopathological changes in lymphoid tissues.

• Journal of fish pathology
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.263-273
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• 2009

There is an increasing number of reports describing Streptococcus parauberis as an important pathogen of cultured olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus and starry flounder Platichthys stellatus in Korea. We tried to determine the effects of water temperature (14${^{\circ}C}$ and 21${^{\circ}C}$) on the pathogenicity in Streptococcal disease caused by S. parauberis. We have challenged 180 olive flounder by i.p injection to $2.0{\times}10^{7}$ live cells/fish. Mortality was monitored for 21 days post challenge. And histopathological characterizations as infection degree, tissue degeneration and/or bacterial distribution were investigated with H&E stain and in situ hybridization technique. Fifty percent and 16.7% of mortality occurred within 21 days at 21${^{\circ}C}$ and 14${^{\circ}C}$ water temperature, respectively. In most cases, the typical symptoms of olive flounder infected with S. parauberis were darkness of the skin, lethargy, mild abdominal distension cause by ascites, splenomegaly, congested liver and internal organs paleness. The pericardial sac contained large amounts of cloudy fluid. Numerous whitish nodules, which were variable in size and often confluent, were randomly scattered throughout the myocardium. Especially, pericarditis and/or myocarditis was observed in all tested fishes after death. Positive in reaction with S. parauberis were found in all tissues in situ hybridization analysis. The relative numbers of S. parauberis in heart were much more than in liver, spleen, kidney and stomach. We evaluated that S. parauberis strain causes serious damage in the pericardium, shortness of breath and the blood disorder. Therefore, pericarditis and myocarditis caused by S. parauberis were closely related to mortality of olive flounder.